Novation Circuit's Automation & 'Sample Flip' explained - For beginners!

[@megaheadphoneboy]

Been rinsing Ricky's vids for months but this one is super next level because I've only scratched the surface with what this box can do.

[@megaheadphoneboy]

Extra bonus points for having the same frog.

[@davelewis6289]

Got a gig coming up using the circuit as the main engine. Your videos have been so valuable in putting this together. Thank you man. Brilliant stuff

[@RickyTinez]

Glad i could help! Lets hear how the gig goes!

[@leprevada4305]

I'm a drummer and recently bought a Circuit. I was starting to get a bit disheartened with what I thought was a massive limitation in programming the drum sequence. This has removed that limitation and in fact opened up more than I thought possible. Cheers Enrique 🤘

[@yahirgregory8533]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me!

[@londonkeith4804]

@Yahir Gregory Instablaster :)

[@yahirgregory8533]

@London Keith I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@yahirgregory8533]

@London Keith It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@londonkeith4804]

@Yahir Gregory no problem =)

[@zooblestyx]

3:12 Enrique, hermano. This has got to be your tightest beat ever.

[@athaphian]

Thanks for this wonderful explanation. I don't own a circuit yet, but this video got me one step closer to ordering one. I love the fact that they still bring out updates for it, even after a few years. Your channel contains a lot of great info and you can explain it very clearly!

[@wolfgang4468]

Thanks for the video! Pointing out that sample flip is just another automation was really helpful! Just one addition: The controller value (or sample-flip command) in question is not only used up to the end of the pattern. If you start your automation "later" than on step 1 that value is still used up to that step when the pattern repeats, regardless of the position of or turning the controller knob.

[@goldfisho15]

Super helpful. I know it's an old video but I just got one of these as a present, and this helped fill the gap of knowledge I had about sample flip. Thanks!

[@sheniesebaez8028]

Wow, I've been watching a bunch of videos to try and get a better understanding, and I believe your videos are the best so far. Thank you so much.

[@baudouinleclercq9469]

Thank you Enrique, it's the best explanation I ever saw about the Circuit behaviour !

[@RickyTinez]

Really appreciate this! thanks a ton glad it helped

[@PureHeartVideo]

Yes. You explain a complex concept VERY clearly. :-)

[@Sp3z]

Just got one today, really intuitive machine. Best electronic instrument I've ever played.

[@ifxman]

It took me a week to figure this out lol You really have a great way to explain the functions of the Circuit! Thanks!!!

[@RickyTinez]

anytime man! appreciate the watch

[@lrnzkng]

Powerful tutorial, love the trick with the recording of the kick and snare sample in the same drum. Thanks

[@FartingDog88]

This is a great explanation! I did not understand the flip feature completly until now. Thanks! :)

[@ClaudeDjale]

Thanks Enrique, you're a great teacher.. the way you explains these tutorials is like your being in our shoes..

[@RickyTinez]

Glad to hear that Claude, it means a lot.

[@plex4560]

Thanks very much, I wasn't getting the fact that Sample Flip is really a 'sample select automation' and I was totally baffled for a bit... now totally clear! :D

[@MSS-g7f]

I find it more useful to call it "record a sample variation" - using the term "flip" is confusing.

[@mattfrench2120]

Brilliant. Explained it perfectly. Loving my new (old) Circuit.

[@gianlucacali2635]

Thank you, Sir, super-clear! Now I understand the logic behind sample-flip... It's not Circuit's effort to drive me c-c-crazy! Greetings from Italy...

[@marcwav]

Only just got one of these (I WON IT LOL TY NOVATION) and this video makes me even happier. Thanks man.

[@stanhanley6004]

what a time to be alive

[@buddhistsympathizer1136]

Thank you for your explanation - I'd got an idea of automation from my years of using Cubase. This all made sense. I noticed the trail-off on the kick-drum on beat one being cutoff as the sample switched to the cowbell (as was expected). 13:40

[@oleksandr.veresiuk]

Man, you explained thing about sample flip that i gradually started understanding by myself that flip functionality realized through automation. Intresting why Nick and John in tutorials about per step automation only press record and allegedly record automation for only certain somehow step ommiting that action has an impact on others steps too.

[@robbob4271]

Fantastic. Thanks. I was so confused about it not working. Now I understand why 😀

[@bztak1020]

The behavior of sample flip was annoying me, but your video has cleared completely. thank you very much!!!!

[@alecman95]

Wow I didn't know about the sample flipping, that's a game changer thanks

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Next update, If that comes, it would be very usefull to give different samples in th sequence a random colour

[@homunduruk2530]

This is actually a great idea, and I would totally love that

[@aarongarcia389]

DUDE! Thank you so much for this.. Sample Flip was the only thing I didn't 'get' on the last update. The other tutorials gave me the impression that you somehow copy one drum part's notes and samples to another? Therefore consolidating them and freeing up another drum part? Ironically I have been recording drum parts live on to one track like that, and I though 'Sample Flip' was something else entirely... but I was unaware of how you can sort them out in velocity mode like that. making a palate of useable samples and then arranging them like that is the one. One question, are the drum parts one voice ea? I could have sworn that at one point I saw a tutorial in which the person had their entire beat running on one part. Have you ever tried uploading a breakbeat? Mine come out off even though the bpm match the file. Thanks again !

[@marknhopgood]

On automation, the way I understand it is when you lowered the value on pad 1, it then goes back up on sequence run to pad 2. This is because by default the macro knobs take the default value of the selected patch and this is assigned to every step in the sequence.

[@cruepprich]

Excellent info & explanation. Thanks! 🙏

[@Lets-Drone-With-Bone]

Excellent tutorial this is!, definitely one of the best explanations of circuits automation I've seen. Thanks for this

[@RickyTinez]

Thanks for the kind words Wayne, glad you found it helpful!

[@jeevespreston]

Your videos are ALWAYS enlightening, thanks for sharing!!!

[@RickyTinez]

jeevespreston I really appreciate that! Thanks, glad you're enjoying them

[@jeevespreston]

Follow-up question if I may... Given all this, does it mean that (as an extreme example) you could have a different synth patch on every step of a Synth 1 or 2 pattern?

[@RickyTinez]

Hey Jeeves, the "Sample Flip" changing mainly applies to the drum parts, and not the synth parts. BUT if you get creative and make a synth patch where it's macro knobs are set to 8 parameters, that drastically change the sound of the synth, you totally can! So the easy answer is, No. Not for the synths, only for the drum parts.

[@jeevespreston]

Ok, got it, thanks!!

[@williamshaneblyth]

Beautifully and very clearly explained thanks so much makes perfect sense

[@girlinagale]

I've had Circuit for a year and only just learned it can step sequence automation, I always did automation recording with Play pressed. Thanks.

[@homunduruk2530]

I like sample flip, but I'm trying to not use it on Drum 1 since it kinda screws up the sidechain.

[@ricardlupus]

Great demonstration of this feature - is it possible to erase the sample flip information from a step, similarly to the way the automation for a step can be erased by holding clear and turning the knob for the automation you want to clear?

[@freerideloewe]

Thank you so much for this video explanation of how circuit's automation works!

[@ady909]

Thank you for the superb video 👍🏻

[@SjoerdHeeringa]

Thanks a lot. Why hasn't anyone before explained this?

[@docjfnoel]

Very helpful. Is sample flip possible between synth patterns or is it just possible in drum parts?

[@fabianhenzler7557]

What’s the 2020 box comparable to the circuit? The MC 101 seems not very intuitive for Ableton Push users that want to go dawless for example 😆

[@thecynth3820]

I guess something like the Korg Electribe 2 (synth and sampler models). They're more expensive (although not by that much), and are more difficult and fiddly to use, but have a lot more power [although, my opinions have been soley gleened from watching videos, lol.]

[@fabianhenzler7557]

21st Century Schizoid Man could the Deluge or the MC 707 be that box then? Because the Korgs are really different I guess

[@thecynth3820]

It depends what you need them for. They both look intresting (just looking at this now, and the Deluge is super powerful) but they're also more expensive. If you want an all in one synth+sample box, thoes are pretty good. However, if you want a sequencing brain that also does some cool synth and sample stuff, circuit and korg are good cheap options (although the circuit is 2 channels, and the korg is 4 voice, with the annoying step sequencer). looking into the Deluge and MC 707, but at that price range, maybe also look at the MPC line.

[@GearGuy]

Take a look at the Akai Force (soecifically with the 3.0.6. firmware (free) which added a ton of new features). Note that many older Force reviews are way too old for reasearch since the 3.0.6. firmware just increased the usability of the Force by about 5000%… Also Good time to get a used one since people are still basing prices on the old firmware reviews…. 64 RGB velocity sensitive pads , 7inch touch screen, 8 rotaries each with dedicated display…. its freaking awesome. The Synthstrom Deluge is also amazing with even more pads, but no velocity sensitivity and a just a 4-character screen… however, unlike the Akai Force, it cannot be used to control Ableton. Yeah, the Akai Force is also Ableton in a box *and* can control Ableton on a PC (and you can move projects between them).

[@Bowwylad]

SO GOOD i DOWNLOADED FOR REFERENCE :)

[@Akillitvshorts]

i want to use a sampler next to my drum brute to do some live progressive psy trance, tho im not sure wich to buy. I just need a hardware device to play my bass samples and sound samples and i want some nobs to control their effect. wich device do you suggest?

[@BrunoWiebelt]

super good pedagog ...even I get it when you explain

[@RickyTinez]

haha! thanks man, really appreciate the watch.

[@AndyTanguay]

Always illuminating. Thank you. The Circuit is way deeper than it looks. Why do they call it sample flip? I honestly thought it was reversing or something.

[@hyke23]

Definetly should have called it like Swap or something

[@valley_robot]

I can’t imagine what a pain in the arse it must have been programming this without “ sample flip” seems like it should have been there from day one

[@pongtrometer]

Can you patch flip like circuit mono.......with the 2 Synths to support and expand on the sample flip...thanks

[@leejackson2505]

So, is this like Parameter Lock on Elektron devices? I feel like my head is still struggling with Sample Flip though. I'll need to practice.

[@VTOLKits]

Is the automation per step only, or can you record continious changes ?

[@girlinagale]

You can record automation continuously across patterns as they play.

[@chessoptics]

Can I meet any one with my novation in New York or Jersey to learn in person?

[@pongtrometer]

Can you flip synth patches

[@forty2888]

YOU INSPIRE ME! THANKS

[@JitterbugBoy72]

Really useful video - cheers man

[@madmac66]

So the drum sequencer in circuit is only monophonic? Do you need to use all 4 tracks/channels to program a proper beat?

[@RickyTinez]

you have 4 drum tracks, each of which are mono. so you can kinda say the drum section of circuit as a whole is 4 voices. BUT you can put multiple samples on a single track.

[@madmac66]

Enrique Martinez oh I see. So that’s on top of the two other synth tracks. And with the sample flipping lie you demonstrate it can get quite deep and complex. Cool. Thx

[@_NARdO]

How do I erase the Sample Flip Automation on drums? Thanks!

[@uhldev]

Any recommendations for a circuit and mono station stand?

[@kingtrance6826]

Michael Yuhl Try one of those faux wooden IPad holders from Ikea. You can jimmy rig it to hold various groove boxes etc. with a strip of Velcro.

[@projectz975]

hey do you mind if i sample this in a beat? There's a bit after the 14 minute mark that sounds really wild i think i could do something with.

[@Limite777]

Enhorabuena! muy buen tutorial, solo faltaria que fuese en español, saludos desde Almería- España

[@akiyat]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Sammy-B]

A helpful video. Even if you're five years late to the party.

[@pepperpepper7608]

Is there a way to connect this to a PA so you can play it in clubs ?

[@wilckaudio3280]

Great tutorial - thanks!

[@sokoleski]

Great stuff... many thanks!

[@killabeegorman]

Thanks for the video! One suggestion: turn off your autofocus on the camera. When you move quickly in front of it it goes out of focus for a bit...

[@RickyTinez]

Kyle Gorman haha thanks kyle! Yea few people mentioned this to me. Sadly this was like the 4th take and my camera reset where I forgot to turn AF off. Appreciate the suggestion though, glad you enjoyed the video

[@weslyng77]

Very helpful!

[@marcuunk8564]

Moment in Time is GREAT!!!

[@chessoptics]

Can I just meet you in person and bring my novation to learn it’s easier are you in New York ?

[@alanbouet-willaumez1390]

insane !! love it !

[@marcuunk8564]

Very very Usefull

[@NondoPondo]

You Rock The How'z

[@manuelpelliza]

Thanks Enrique! Very useful! I'm just curious about that bass patch...Did you created it or is it a Circuit preset?

[@RickyTinez]

Believe it or not, it's the first preset that synth 1 is set to! just messed with the macro knobs a little to get it to that point.

[@manuelpelliza]

Awesome Enrique! Thanks ;)

[@pavel-p8o7x]

Brilliant!

[@lilbasedboi]

this was great

[@stephenles]

I don't find that the "moment in time" concept is helpful. What is the difference between a step and a "moment in time"? How many "moments in time" are there between steps? Are you saying that an automation change can occur not only ON a step, but also BETWEEN steps? If so, how is that helpful?

[@RickyTinez]

In the case of this video i was referring to "moments in time" as the steps. So in the case of Circuit, there would be 16 "moments of time" within a bar. But the reason i use this analogy on Circuit is because there is a difference between the lanes of automation as well as the trigger information lanes. There are 5 micro steps between each step not including the very first step (6 in total) that are dedicated to just triggering the synth tracks or drum tracks. Sample flip however lives on the very first step of those 6 micro-steps. It cannot be placed before or after a step, only directly on it. Which means in a bar you only get 16 possible combinations. But recording the movement of the macro knobs, is a different story. There is a bit of a slew between each value which gets stored on the 6 micro-steps to have the automation sounds a bit more fluid and not as "steppy". Sorry if my original explanation wasn't helpful! Let me know if that clears it up and if not, how else i can help! Thanks for watching Steve, i appreciate it.

[@stephenles]

Yes, that helps a lot. Thank you!

[@user-yo1cv2me5l]

nice video

[@nothingmemorable486]

I have one of those wooden toads...

[@RickyTinez]

haha, i have 2 at this point! hope they're not breeding.

[@robinr22]

Super helpful video. Although, I have to say, this is the worst implementation of sample flip I have ever seen. Just a bizarrely convoluted way to do it that generates so much extra work. There has to be some technical reason why it's done like this rather than just as a straightforward "choose a sample/automation value for a step"? It surely can't have been a design choice? Sample flip was one of the main reasons I went for the circuit but I think I'm going to sell it again based on this. Can't be dealing with such a silly approach.

[@sascha10489]

Perfect

[@AOC_dawlesspuzzle]

great...

[@nghaigonzalez]

Sample flip powerfull :)

[@wolfgang4468]

Yet another addition: As it is so easy to accidentally lose your automation by letting the pattern repeat when the "record" button is still red I would recommend to record automation data in "punch in" mode i. e. holding the "record" button and then quickly letting go when finished.

[@afropunkrocker13]

wow

[@SRSmith-pk4yo]

Good vid, Except @ 11,01 instead of an apology (not necessary mate , yer vids R g8)) you should have played the pattern for us (twice), instead you cleared it (grrrr)! ~ Nothing beats an AUDIO example following a groove grid layout explanation ! Cool groove after though . . . MORE COWBELL ! ! ! ~ thnx . . . . peace

[@RickyTinez]

S.R. Smith appreciate that! Next time I'll let the grooves flow a little longer :)

[@SRSmith-pk4yo]

Go back and rewatch, you entered in a groove pattern, explained what you did, BUT THEN YOU ERASED THE PATTERN AND NEVER SHOWED US THE AUDIO RESULTS . . . sorry about the big letters